Ethiopian pop star, Tewodros Kassahun (aka Teddy Afro) was released from jail on August 13, 2009. Found guilty of manslaughter for the death of 18 year old Degu Yibelte, the renowned singer also denied the charge arguing he was outside Ethiopia the day of the accident.

The 32-year-old singer appeared on the Ethiopian Television (ETV) and had his first interview with journalist Tsion Girma.

It is with a sad and broken heart that we announce the passing away of Commander Zeleke Bogale who had served his country both as a distinguished naval officer and civilian Administrator par-excellence. For those who know Cmdr. Zeleke Bogale, his passing away marks the end of the life of a courageous Ethiopian who left an indelible mark in the development of his beloved country. No man, presently alive or long gone, has done more to modernize the former sea-ports of Ethiopia and its marine related infrastructure. Although now under the control of Eritrea, Cmdr. Zeleke’s years of hard work and the foundation he laid will undoubtedly benefit both the people of Ethiopia and Eritrea in the future. Cmdr. Zeleke was credited by many for his visionary leadership and management of the staff and thousands of employees of The Ethiopian Marine Transport Authority and in transforming the cities and ports of Assab and Massawa.

On 14th June 2009, a candlelight vigil was held in Geneva and Zürich in commemoration of the martyrs killed while demonstrating peacefully 4 year ago in the aftermath of the highly constested 2005 elections. The organizing task force also reported that letters were sent to various international organizations based in Geneva on the conditions of Birtukan Mideksa, the leader of the opposition Unity for Democracy and Justice (UDJ) who has been re-arrested and imprisoned for life in December 2008. See pictures